Peeling apparatus and associated methods

ABSTRACT

A peeling apparatus may include a frame, a set of mounts being removably connected to a first end of the frame adjacent at least one first roller opening and each mount including a flange bearing. The peeler may also include a set of abrasive rollers being arranged to define a peeling chamber and having first ends rotatably supported by flange bearings of the mounts so that the abrasive rollers are installable or removable through the at least one first roller opening upon removal of the respective mounts from the frame. The peeling apparatus may also include a set of roller drive motors for respective abrasive rollers that are also carried by respective mounts. A second set of flange bearings may be provided at the opposite end of the chamber. A high capacity embodiment includes dual peeling chambers and wherein feeders in the form of augers rotate in opposite directions.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/576,924 filed on May 23, 2000, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to the field of food processing, and moreparticularly, to apparatus and methods for peeling vegetables andfruits.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is common in many food processing applications to require thepeeling of the outer skin of fruits or vegetables. Potatoes, inparticular, are very often so processed by passing the potatoes againsta set of rotating abrasive rollers. Fruit may also be similarlyprocessed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,605,798 to Boswell discloses acitrus fruit peeler including a pair of abrading rollers and an augerscrew which advances the citrus along the rollers.

[0004] Along these lines, U.S. Pat. No. 3,745,914 to Wallace discloses asingle chamber fruit and vegetable peeler including a frame, a pluralityof abrasive roller carried by the frame and arranged in an arcuatepattern, and a drive motor and gears coupled to the rollers. Theabrasive rollers are provided in lengthwise segments to facilitatereplacement of a damaged section without requiring replacement of anentire roller. Action of the rollers advances the fruit or vegetablesfrom an intake to a discharge. A rinsing system is provided to washmaterial from the rollers. The vegetables or fruit are subjected to atumbling action within the peeling chamber. The amount of peeling iscontrolled by a height of a gate at the discharge.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,519,305 to Vanosdall discloses a similarapparatus wherein an auger extends only partway into the chamber fromthe discharge. U.S. Pat. No. 5,858,429 also to Wallace discloses asimilar apparatus which includes an auger at a feed hopper, and arotatable tumbler including rotating paddles within the peeling chamber.This patent also discloses a vision analysis system to evaluate thedegree of peeling and adjust the various parameters to provide a desireddegree of peeling.

[0006] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,237,782 to Bichel and 4,827,836 to Neidighdisclose peeling apparatus wherein the abrasive rollers are driven byindividual hydraulic motors. U.S. Pat. No. 5,780,088 to Zittel disclosesa peeler that includes individual electric motors to drive each roller.The rollers can be operated at different speeds or in differentdirections. An auger which extends through the peeling chamber, may alsobe controlled by an electric motor.

[0007] To increase capacity, a dual peeling or washing chamber apparatuswas offered by Vanmark Corporation under the model designation Series2800. The apparatus included two side-by-side chambers wherein the augerscrews rotated in a same direction. Accordingly, the abrasive rollersextended around an arc further upward on a same side at the center ofthe apparatus. Unfortunately, this arrangement places a number ofabrasive rollers in the interior of the peeling apparatus which makesmaintenance more difficult for these interior rollers and associatedportions. Such an arrangement also increases the needed width of themachine, thereby complicating its placement with other processingequipment.

[0008] Conventional peeling machines have also generally suffered frompoor maintainability because of the mounting of rollers and respectivemotors. Accessing and replacing such components may be especiallydifficult since other processing equipment may be placed relativelyclose to the peeling machine. In addition, the bearings used inconventional machines may not provide a sufficient service life and/orpermit high operating speeds of the rollers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object ofthe present invention-to provide a peeling apparatus and associatedmethods which permit more ready maintenance and/or which provide highercapacity.

[0010] These and other objects, features and advantages in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention are provided by a peeling apparatuscomprising a frame, a set of mounts including flange bearings and beingremovably connected to a first end of the frame adjacent at least onefirst roller opening, and a set of abrasive rollers being arranged todefine a peeling chamber and having first ends rotatably supported bythe flange bearings. The mounts permit the abrasive rollers to beinstallable or removable through the at least one first roller openingupon removal of the respective mounts from the frame. The peelingapparatus may also include a set of roller drive motors for respectiveabrasive rollers that are also carried by respective mounts.Accordingly, the motors and rollers can be readily removed andinstalled, such as for maintenance.

[0011] Each mount may have a trapezoidal shape, and the mounts may bearranged in side-by-side relation to define an arc. The peeling chambermay extend generally horizontally. The flange bearings used in themounts may be more desirable than pillow block bearings which are oftenused in similar peeling apparatus.

[0012] A feeder may also be provided for feeding fruit or vegetablesadjacent the set of abrasive rollers so that the first end defines anintake end. Accordingly, the mounts permit installation and removal ofthe abrasive rollers from the intake end.

[0013] In accordance with one advantageous feature, the number ofabrasive rollers in the set thereof may be greater than eight. For adual chamber peeling apparatus, the number of abrasive rollers may begreater than sixteen.

[0014] A second set of flange bearings may be carried by a second end ofthe frame for respective second ends of the abrasive rollers. Moreover,each of the second set of flange bearings may comprise a two-fastenerflange bearing having a generally oval footprint. This permits eachflange bearing of the second set of flange bearings to be canted at anangle and nested into an adjacent flange bearing. Since the second endis typically the discharge end, this relatively compact arrangement offlange bearings permits the fruit or vegetables to be readilydischarged.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention relates to a high capacitypeeling apparatus that includes dual peeling chambers and whereinfeeders in the form of augers rotate in opposite directions. Moreparticularly, the peeling apparatus may comprise a frame, and first andsecond peeling chambers carried by the frame in side-by-side relation.The first peeling chamber may include a first set of abrasive rollersand a first auger adjacent thereto, and the second peeling chamber mayinclude a second set of abrasive rollers and a second auger adjacentthereto. The first and second augers preferably comprise respectivehelical flights oriented in opposite helical directions. The peelingapparatus may also include a drive for driving the first and secondaugers in opposite rotational directions.

[0016] The first set of abrasive rollers may be aligned along a firstarc, and the second set of abrasive rollers may be aligned along asecond arc being a mirror image of the first arc. To facilitatemaintenance of the dual chamber embodiment, the first and second arcspreferably each extend higher along outsides of the peeling apparatus.In other words, the number of rollers along the inner portion of theapparatus is reduced in favor of more rollers along the more accessibleouter portion.

[0017] Another aspect of the invention relates to cleaning. Moreparticularly, the peeling apparatus may comprise a cleaning solutiondelivery system for contacting surfaces of the peeling chamber with acleaning solution. This cleaning solution delivery system may beconnected to a common cleaning solution delivery system that extendswithin the processing plant, and which is shared with other processingapparatus.

[0018] Additionally relating to cleaning, the peeling apparatus mayinclude a cleaning solution collection system for collecting cleaningsolution after contacting surfaces of the peeling chamber. This cleaningsolution collection system may also be connected to a common cleaningsolution collection system in the processing plant which is also sharedwith other processing apparatus.

[0019] One method aspect of the invention relates to a method for makinga peeling apparatus. This method preferably comprises providing a frame,removably connecting a set of mounts to a first end of the frameadjacent at least one first roller opening with each mount comprising aflange bearing. The method may also include arranging a set of abrasiverollers to define a peeling chamber and having first ends rotatablysupported by respective flange bearings of the mounts. Accordingly, theabrasive rollers are installable or removable through the at least onefirst roller opening upon removal of the respective mounts from theframe. The method may also include connecting a set of roller drivemotors to respective abrasive rollers and that are also carried byrespective mounts.

[0020] Another method aspect of the invention is also directed to makinga peeling apparatus. The method may include providing a frame, andarranging a set of abrasive rollers to define a peeling chamber byrotatably supporting first ends of the abrasive rollers using a firstset of flange bearings carried by the first end of the frame, androtatably supporting second ends of the abrasive rollers using a secondset of flange bearings carried by the second end of the frame.

[0021] Yet another method aspect of the invention is for peeling fruitor vegetables. The method preferably comprises providing first andsecond peeling chambers carried by a frame in side-by-side relation,with the first peeling chamber comprising a first set of abrasiverollers and a first auger adjacent thereto, and with the second peelingchamber comprising a second set of abrasive rollers and a second augeradjacent thereto. The first and second augers preferably compriserespective helical flights oriented in opposite helical directions. Themethod also preferably includes driving the first and second augers inopposite rotational directions to thereby advance the objects along thefirst and second sets of abrasive rollers respectively.

[0022] Still another method aspect of the invention relates to a methodfor processing fruit or vegetables using a plurality of processingapparatus and comprising at least one peeling apparatus. This methodpreferably comprises providing a common cleaning solution deliverysystem connected to the processing apparatus, and providing the peelingapparatus with a cleaning solution delivery system connected to thecommon cleaning solution delivery system. In addition, the method mayinclude providing a common cleaning solution collection system connectedto the processing apparatus, and providing the peeling apparatus with acleaning solution collection system connected to the common cleaningsolution collection system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a peeling apparatus in accordancewith the invention.

[0024]FIG. 2 is an intake end view of the peeling apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0025]FIG. 3 is a discharge end view of the peeling apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0026]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3.

[0027]FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the intake end of anabrasive roller, its flange bearing, removable mount and drive motor asused in the peeling apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0028]FIG. 6 is an enlarged end view of a discharge portion of thepeeling apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the flange bearings supportingthe discharge ends of the abrasive rollers.

[0029]FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the discharge end ofa abrasive roller and its associated flange bearing as used in thepeeling apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0030]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an abrasive roller as may be usedin the peeling apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0031]FIG. 9 is a greatly enlarged cross-sectional view taken alonglines 9-9 of FIG. 8 illustrating an individual knurl embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The present invention will now be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichpreferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein. Rather,these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thoroughand complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to thoseskilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0033] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4 the peeling apparatus 20 inaccordance with the present invention is now described. The peelingapparatus 20 may be part of an overall fruit or vegetable processingsystem 25 that may include other processing apparatus 21, 22 asschematically illustrated. In addition, these other processing apparatus21, 22 may also be connected to a common plant cleaning solution system23 including a cleaning solution supply and associated interconnectingpiping. Similarly, these other processing apparatus 21, 22 may also beconnected to a common plant cleaning solution collection system 24including a drain, sump or collection vessel and interconnecting pipingas will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0034] The peeling apparatus 20 may include the lower collection pan 29and the outlet port 31 in communication therewith which define thecleaning solution collection system for the peeling apparatus, and whichmay be coupled to the common plant cleaning solution collection system24. Of course, the cleaning solution from the peeling apparatus 20 mayalso be recycled and used again for cleaning the peeler and/or any ofthe other processing apparatus 21, 22. Also the cleaning solution fromthe common plant cleaning solution delivery system 23 may be distributedor sprayed on interior portions of the peeling apparatus 20 using theschematically illustrated nozzles 35 (FIG. 4).

[0035] The peeling apparatus 25 illustratively includes two generallyhorizontally extending, side-by-side peeling chambers 26 a, 26 b, butmany of the features and components thereof may also be used in a singlepeeling chamber apparatus, and/or in a peeling apparatus arranged at anangle other than horizontal as will be readily appreciated by thoseskilled in the art. The peeling apparatus 20 is also illustratively fedfruit or vegetables from one or more upstream devices, schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 1 by the fruit/vegetable supply 27. In addition, thepeeling apparatus 20 also includes a controller 28 connected to thevarious motors and other equipment as will be described in greaterdetail below.

[0036] The peeling apparatus 20 may be used for many peeling operationsto be performed typically on fruit or vegetables. For example, thepeeling apparatus 20 may be used to extract oil from the peels of citrusfruit as disclosed in parent U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/576,924filed on May 23, 2000, the entire disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference. Of course, the peeling apparatus 20 may be used forpeeling potatoes, and other fruit and vegetables as will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art.

[0037] The peeling apparatus 20 illustratively includes a frame 30 whichcarries the first and second peeling chambers 26 a, 26 b in side-by-siderelation. The first peeling chamber 26 a includes a first set ofabrasive rollers 32 a and a first auger 33 a adjacent thereto.Similarly, the second peeling chamber 26 comprises a second set ofabrasive rollers 32 b and a second auger 33 b adjacent thereto. Eachauger 33 a, 33 b has a respective electric drive motor 34 a, 34 bconnected thereto. Of course, a discharge opening 37 a, 37 b is providedat the discharge end of each peeling chamber 26 a, 26 b as shown perhapsbest in FIGS. 1 and 4. The discharge openings 37 are illustrativelyarcuate in shape and offset to the respective outer sides. A commonintake opening 39 (FIG. 2) is provided at the intake end to receive thefruit or vegetables therein.

[0038] In accordance with one aspect of the peeling apparatus 20, thefirst and second augers 33 a, 33 b include respective helical flightsoriented in opposite helical directions. The drive motors 34 a, 34 bdrive the first and second augers 33 a, 33 b in opposite rotationaldirections. In other words, the drive motors 341, 34 b define a drivefor the augers 33 a, 33 b. The fruit or vegetables in each peelingchamber 26 a, 26 b is advanced in parallel from the intake to thedischarge end of the peeling apparatus 20.

[0039] The first set of abrasive rollers 32 a are aligned along a firstarc, and the second set of abrasive rollers 32 b are aligned along asecond arc being a mirror image of the first arc. Moreover, the firstand second arcs each extend higher along outsides of the peelingapparatus 20. This may be accommodated since rotation of the augers 33a, 33 b tends to cause the fruit to ride up toward the outside as willbe appreciated by those skilled in the art. This arrangement of rollersprovides a number of advantages, particularly in that more rollers areaccessible from the exterior of the peeling apparatus 20, rather thanbeing positioned on the less accessible interior as will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art.

[0040] Another aspect of the peeling apparatus 20 is that the number ofabrasive rollers 32 a, 32 b in each of the first and second sets may begreater than eight. In the illustrated embodiment, twelve rollers areprovided in each set. A combined or total number of abrasive rollers 32a, 32 b in both of the first and second sets is also preferably greaterthan sixteen. In the illustrated peeling apparatus 20 the total numberof rollers is twenty-four. The larger number of rollers may provide agreater throughput in a smaller machine footprint. Accordingly, thepeeling apparatus 20 may be installed or retrofitted into a relativelysmall space.

[0041] Referring now more particularly to FIG. 2 and additionally toFIG. 5, other advantageous features of the peeling apparatus 20 are nowdescribed. In particular, each peeling chamber 26 a, 26 b illustrativelyincludes a set of motors 40 a, 40 b and associated mounts 41 a, 41 b forthe abrasive rollers. These motors 40 a, 40 b and mounts 41 a, 41 b areillustratively carried by the intake end, accordingly, the fruit orvegetables can more readily pass out of the discharge openingsunencumbered by the motors and mounts as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art.

[0042] For clarity of explanation, only a single motor 40 a, mount 41 a,and intake end of a roller 32 a will now be described, although those ofskill in the art will appreciate that this configuration may beduplicated for all of the rollers in both peeling chambers 26 a, 26 b.More particularly, the frame 30 includes a roller opening 45 a adjacentthe intake end. The roller opening 45 a may be an arcuately shapedslotted opening for the set of rollers as in the illustrated embodiment,or individual openings could be provided for each roller as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art. The mount 41 a is alsoconnected to the intake end adjacent the roller opening 45 a, and thismount carries the intake end of the abrasive roller 32 a as well as themotor 40 a.

[0043] The mount 41 a permits the abrasive roller 32 a to be installableor removable through the roller opening 45 a upon removal of the mount41 a from the frame 30. The mount 41 a also permits the roller drivemotor 40 a to be separately removed, such as for service or replacement.

[0044] The abrasive roller 32 a illustratively comprises an elongatebody portion 60 a having an abrasive outer surface as will be describedin greater detail below, and an intake mounting stub 61 a and adischarge mounting stub 62 a (FIG. 7) permanently affixed to respectiveopposing ends of elongate body portion. Each mounting stub may include abody portion received within an open end of the elongate body portion 60a, and may also include an integrally formed shaft extending outwardlytherefrom. Other similar constructions are also possible.

[0045] The mounting stubs 61 a, 62 a are preferably permanently affixedto the ends of the elongate body portion 60 a to provide for higherrotational speeds with less vibration and resonance as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, in thoseembodiments where the elongate body portion 60 a of the abrasive roller32 a comprises metal, such as steel or aluminum, the mounting stubs 61a, 62 a may be permanently affixed by welding, although similartechniques are also contemplated by the present invention.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the mount 41 a illustrativelyincludes a base plate 46 a covering overlying the opening 45 a andsecured to the frame 30. A flange bearing 47 a is carried by the baseplate 46 a and rotatably supports the intake mounting stub 61 a at theend of the abrasive roller 32 a. The mount 41 a also illustrativelyincludes the motor standoff 50 a also carried by the base plate 46 a andwhich-is coaxial with the end of the mounting stub 61 a and output shaft53 a of the motor 40 a. The output shaft 53 a of the motor 40 a isconnected to the end of the mounting stub 61 a via a flexible coupling51 a which may also permit higher rotational speeds for the abrasiveroller 32 a by reducing vibration.

[0047] The schematically illustrated motor 40 a may include an electricor hydraulic actuator directly coupled to the output shaft 53 a, or anintervening gearbox may be provided to produce a desired rotationalspeed of the abrasive roller 32 a as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art. The motor 40 a is illustratively connected to amotor mounting plate 52 a which, in turn, is carried by the end of themotor standoff 50 a. Other equivalent mounting arrangements are alsocontemplated by the invention. In some alternate embodiments, theindividual motors may be replaced by a common motor and associated drivetrain for driving the sets of rollers.

[0048] As perhaps best seen with reference to FIG. 2, the mounts 41 a,41 b, and, more particularly, the base plates thereof, may have atrapezoidal shape. Accordingly, when the mounts 41 a, 41 b are arrangedin side-by-side relation, the mounts define an arc.

[0049] Turning now additionally to FIGS. 6 and 7, another advantageousaspect of the peeling apparatus 20 is described. More particularly,respective sets of flange bearings 70 a, 70 b are provided at thedischarge end of the peeling apparatus for each of the peeling chambers26 a, 26 b. Each flange bearing 70 a is illustratively provided by aflange bearing having a generally oval footprint with first and secondfastener openings adjacent opposing ends of the footprint and which, inturn, receive respective first and second fasteners 72 a to secure theflange bearing in place. The flange bearing 70 a of the mount 41 arotatably supports the discharge mounting stub 62 a of the abrasiveroller 32 a.

[0050] Moreover, as best seen in FIG. 7, each flange bearing 70 a withits generally oval footprint may be readily canted at an angle andnested into an adjacent flange bearing. In contrast, pillow blockbearings, for example, may be difficult to accurately position and maytake up additional space. Accordingly, the flange bearings 70 a, 70 b ofthe peeing apparatus 20 provide a very compact arrangement adjacent thedischarge openings 37 a, 37 b so that the fruit or vegetables may beeasily discharged therefrom.

[0051] Referring now additionally to FIGS. 8 and 9 other aspectsrelating to the abrasive roller 32 a of the peeling apparatus 20 arefurther described. The abrasive roller 32 a includes an elongate bodyportion 60 a, preferably in the form of an elongate tube to therebyreduce overall weight. The tubular shape may be readily and accuratelyformed by precision centerless grinding techniques as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0052] Mounting stubs 61 a, 62 a are preferably welded to opposing endsof the tubular elongate body portion 60 a as described above, and anabrasive surface is formed on the outer surface portion of the elongatebody portion. The abrasive outer surface may be manufactured by pressingthe outer roller surface against a shaping or die surface to form apattern of knurls, similar to a #10TPI knurl. In other words, the knurlsmay be integrally formed into the surface of the elongate body portion60 a.

[0053] A cross-section of one such knurl 75 a is shown in FIG. 9. Theillustrated knurl 75 a may define a peak height of about 0.050 incheswith a tolerance of about +0.00 and −0.020 inches. The abrasive roller32 a may have a diameter of about 3.9 to 4.0 inches, although othersizes are also possible. Moreover, the knurl 75 a may have a leadingedge portion 76 a that is steeper than the adjacent trailing edgeportion 77 a. For example, the leading edge portion 76 a may define anangle α of about a thirty degrees from a line normal to the surface.Also, the trailing edge portion 77 a may define an angle β of aboutsixty degrees from a line normal to the surface. Other angles are alsopossible. The steeper angle of the leading edge portion 76 a may providean extended wear life, and reduce the need for maintenance. In someembodiments, all of the knurls may have a same shape, although otherembodiments may benefit from different shaped knurls.

[0054] To further provide increased wear resistance for the knurl 75 a awear-resistant surface coating 80 a may be applied to cover the basemetal of the elongate body portion 60 a. For example, the elongate bodyportion 60 a may comprise steel or aluminum, and the surface coating 80a may comprise cobalt, chromium, tungsten, nickel, or alloys thereof.For example, Stellite® may be used as the coating 80 a and it is analloy family containing cobalt, chromium, tungsten and other elements aswill be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0055] In other embodiments, the base metal of the abrasive roller 32 amay not require a coating. For example, stainless steel may not requirea protective coating. To reduce overall costs, in one preferredembodiment, a mild steel base metal may be combined with the protectivecoating 80 a as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0056] Turning now additionally to the schematic diagrams of FIGS.10-11, various control aspects of the peeling apparatus 20 are nowdescribed. In particular, the peeling apparatus 20 includes a set ofabrasive rollers 32 a arranged to define a peeling chamber 26 a, androller drive motors 40 a as explained in detail above. A feeder 85 a isprovided for controllably feeding fruit or vegetables adjacent theabrasive rollers. A sensor 86 a is associated with at least one rollerdrive motor 40 a for sensing a load thereon. For example, the sensor 86a may be associated with one or more lower rollers to more accuratelysense the load, although sensors may be provided for all of the motorsas will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The controller 28 isillustratively connected to the sensor 86 a and feeder 85 ab forcontrolling the feeder based upon the sensor. Accordingly, the feeder 85a can be controlled based upon the sensed load on the abrasive roller 32a.

[0057] For example, for typical operation, the controller 28 mayincrease the feed rate of the feeder 85 a based upon an increase insensed load, and conversely decrease the feed rate based upon a decreasein sensed load. In some embodiments, the controller 28 may also controlone more of the roller drive motors 40 a based upon the sensed load.This aspect of the peeling apparatus 20 provides a relativelystraightforward, robust and cost effective approach to control importantpeeling parameters.

[0058] As understood with particular reference to FIG. 11, the feeder 85b may comprise an input conveyor 90 a upstream of the set of abrasiverollers. In addition to or in place of the input conveyor 90 a, thefeeder may include the auger 33 a adjacent the set of abrasive rollers.Also, the feeder 85 a may include at least one of an intake gate 91 aand a discharge gate 92 a, and with or without the input conveyor and/orauger. Those of skill in the art will recognize other feederconfigurations that are controllable in accordance with this aspect ofthe peeling apparatus 20.

[0059] The sensor 86 a may comprise a torque sensor for sensing a torquedelivered by the roller drive motor 40 a. In one class of embodiments,the roller drive motor 40 a may be a hydraulic motor 95 a, and thesensor 86 a may be a hydraulic pressure sensor 96 a. In one particularlyadvantageous class of embodiments, the roller drive motor 40 a maycomprise a roller drive electric motor 94 a. Accordingly, for this classof embodiments, the torque sensor may thus comprise an electrical powersensor 97 a.

[0060] The controller 28 itself may include a processor 100 a andvarious input/output devices 101 a connected thereto. For example, theinput/output devices 101 a may include an operator CRT display or otherindicators, as well as a keyboard or other input devices as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art. Of course, the controller 28may provide a range of from full automatic to full manual control aswill also be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In addition, otherfeatures relating to the apparatus and method for peeling vegetables andfruit are disclosed in copending patent applications filed concurrentlyherewith and assigned to the assignee of the present invention and areentitled PEELING APPARATUS WITH ENHANCED ABRASIVE ROLLERS AND ASSOCIATEDMETHODS, attorney work docket number 12427/56042; and PEELING APPARATUSWITH ENHANCED ABRASIVE ROLLERS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS, attorney workdocket number 12428/56043, the entire disclosures of which areincorporated herein in their entirety-by reference.

[0061] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention willcome to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of theteachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings. Accordingly, it is understood that the invention is not to belimited to the embodiments disclosed, and that other modifications andembodiments are intended to be included within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A peeling apparatus comprising: a framehaving at least one first roller opening adjacent a first end thereof; aset of mounts being removably connected to the first end of said frameadjacent the at least one first roller opening, each mount comprising aflange bearing; a set of abrasive rollers being arranged to define apeeling chamber and having first ends rotatably carried by respectiveflange bearings of said mounts so that said abrasive rollers areinstallable or removable through the at least one first roller openingupon removal of the respective mounts from said frame; and a set ofroller drive motors for respective abrasive rollers and also carried byrespective mounts.
 2. A peeling apparatus according to claim 1 whereineach mount has a trapezoidal shape; and wherein said mounts are arrangedin side-by-side relation to define an arc.
 3. A peeling apparatusaccording to claim 1 further comprising a feeder for feeding objectsadjacent said set of abrasive rollers so that the first end of saidframe defines an intake end.
 4. A peeling apparatus according to claim 1wherein the peeling chamber extends generally horizontally; and whereinsaid set of abrasive rollers are aligned along an arc.
 5. A peelingapparatus according to claim 1 wherein a number of abrasive rollers insaid set thereof is greater than eight.
 6. A peeling apparatus accordingto claim 1 wherein each of said roller drive motors comprises anhydraulic motor.
 7. A peeling apparatus according to claim 1 whereineach of said roller drive motors comprises an electric motor.
 8. Apeeling apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a second setof flange bearings carried by a second end of said frame for respectivesecond ends of said set of abrasive rollers.
 9. A peeling apparatusaccording to claim 8 wherein each of said second set of flange bearingscomprises a two-fastener flange bearing having a generally ovalfootprint; and wherein each flange bearing of said second set of flangebearings is canted at an angle and nested into an adjacent flangebearing.
 10. A peeling apparatus according to claim 9 further comprisinga feeder for feeding objects adjacent said set of abrasive rollers sothat the second end of said frame defines a discharge end.
 11. A peelingapparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a cleaning solutiondelivery system for contacting surfaces of the peeling chamber with acleaning solution.
 12. A peeling apparatus according to claim 11 furthercomprising a cleaning solution collection system for collecting cleaningsolution after contacting surfaces of the peeling chamber.
 13. A peelingapparatus comprising: a frame having opposing first and second ends; aset of abrasive rollers being arranged to define a peeling chamber; afirst set of flange bearings carried by the first end of said frame forrotatably supporting respective first ends of said set of abrasiverollers; and a second set of flange bearings carried by the second endof said frame for rotatably supporting respective second ends of saidset of abrasive rollers.
 14. A peeling apparatus according to claim 13further comprising a feeder for feeding objects adjacent said set ofabrasive rollers so that the first end of said frame is an intake endand the second end of said frame is a discharge end.
 15. A peelingapparatus according to claim 13 wherein each of said second set offlange bearings comprises a two-fastener flange bearing having agenerally oval footprint; and wherein each flange bearing of said secondset of flange bearings is canted at an angle and nested into an adjacentflange bearing.
 16. A peeling apparatus according to claim 13 furthercomprising a set of base plates carrying respective flange bearings anddefining mounts; and further comprising a set of roller drive motors forrespective first ends of said set of abrasive rollers and carried byrespective mounts.
 17. A peeling apparatus according to claim 16 whereineach mount has a trapezoidal shape; and wherein said mounts are arrangedin side-by-side relation to define an arc.
 18. A peeling apparatusaccording to-claim 13 wherein the peeling chamber extends generallyhorizontally; and wherein said set of abrasive rollers are aligned alongan arc.
 19. A peeling apparatus according to claim 13 wherein a numberof abrasive rollers in said set thereof is greater than eight
 20. Apeeling apparatus according to claim 13 further comprising a cleaningsolution delivery system for contacting surfaces of the peeling chamberwith a cleaning solution.
 21. A peeling apparatus according to claim 20further comprising a cleaning solution collection system for collectingcleaning solution after contacting surfaces of the peeling chamber. 22.A method for making a peeling apparatus comprising: providing a framehaving at least one first roller opening in a first end; removablyconnecting a set of mounts to the first end of the frame adjacent the atleast one first roller opening, each mount comprising a flange bearing;arranging a set of abrasive rollers to define a peeling chamber andhaving first ends rotatably supported by flange bearings of respectivemounts so that the abrasive rollers are installable or removable throughthe at least one first roller opening upon removal of the respectivemounts from the frame; and connecting a set of roller drive motors torespective first ends of the set of abrasive rollers and also beingcarried by respective mounts.
 23. A method according to claim 22 whereineach mount has a trapezoidal shape; and wherein the mounts are arrangedin side-by-side relation to define an arc.
 24. A method for making apeeling apparatus comprising: providing a frame having opposing firstand second ends; arranging a set of abrasive rollers to define a peelingchamber by rotatably supporting first ends of the set of abrasiverollers using a first set of flange bearings carried by the first end ofthe frame, and rotatably supporting second ends of the set of abrasiverollers using a second set of flange bearings carried by the second endof the frame.
 25. A method according to claim 24 wherein each of thesecond set of flange bearings comprises a two-fastener flange bearinghaving a generally oval footprint; and further comprising positioningeach flange bearing of the second set of flange bearings to be canted atan angle and nested into an adjacent flange bearing.
 26. A methodaccording to claim 24 further comprising providing a set of base platescarrying respective first flange bearings and defining mounts; andproviding a set of roller drive motors for respective first ends of theset of abrasive rollers and carried by respective mounts.
 27. A methodaccording to claim 26 wherein each mount has a trapezoidal shape; andfurther comprising arranging the mounts in side-by-side relation todefine an arc.
 28. A peeling apparatus comprising: a frame; first andsecond peeling chambers carried by said frame in side-by-side relation,said first peeling chamber comprising a first set of abrasive rollersand a first auger adjacent thereto, said second peeling chambercomprising a second set of abrasive rollers and a second auger adjacentthereto; said first and second augers comprising respective helicalflights oriented in opposite helical directions; and a drive for drivingthe first and second augers in opposite rotational directions.
 29. Apeeling apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said first set ofabrasive rollers are aligned along a first arc; and wherein said secondset of abrasive rollers are aligned along a second arc being a mirrorimage of the first arc.
 30. A peeling apparatus according to claim 29wherein the first and second arcs each extend higher along outsides ofthe peeling apparatus.
 31. A peeling apparatus according to claim 28wherein said first and second peeling chambers each extend in asubstantially horizontal direction.
 32. A peeling apparatus according toclaim 28 wherein a number of abrasive rollers in said first set isgreater than eight; and wherein a number of abrasive rollers in saidsecond set is greater than eight.
 33. A peeling apparatus according toclaim 28 wherein a total number of abrasive rollers in said first andsecond sets is greater than sixteen.
 34. A peeling apparatus accordingto claim 28 wherein said first peeling chamber further comprises a firstset of roller drive motors and associated mounts carried by said framefor respective ones of said first set of abrasive rollers; and whereinsaid second peeling chamber further comprises a second set of rollerdrive motors and associated mounts carried by said frame for respectiveones of said second set of abrasive rollers.
 35. A peeling apparatusaccording to claim 34 wherein the rotation direction of said first andsecond augers defines an intake end and a discharge end of the peelingapparatus; and wherein said first and second sets of roller drive motorsand associated mounts are at the intake end of the peeling apparatus.36. A method for peeling fruit or vegetables comprising: providing firstand second peeling chambers carried by a frame in side-by-side relation,the first peeling chamber comprising a first set of abrasive rollers anda first auger adjacent thereto, the second peeling chamber comprising asecond set of abrasive rollers and a second auger adjacent thereto, thefirst and second augers comprising respective helical flights orientedin opposite helical directions; and driving the first and second augersin opposite rotational directions to thereby advance the fruit orvegetables along the first and second sets of abrasive rollersrespectively.
 37. A method according to claim 36 further comprising:aligning said first set of abrasive rollers along a first arc; andaligning said second set of abrasive rollers along a second arc being amirror image of the first arc.
 38. A method according to claim 37wherein the first and second arcs each extend higher along outsides ofthe peeling apparatus.
 39. A method according to claim 36 wherein saidfirst and second peeling chambers each extend in a substantiallyhorizontal direction.
 40. A vegetable processing plant for fruit orvegetables comprising: a plurality of processing apparatus forprocessing fruit or vegetables and comprising at least one peelingapparatus; and a common cleaning solution delivery system connected tosaid processing apparatus; said peeling apparatus comprising a cleaningsolution delivery system connected to said common cleaning solutiondelivery system.
 41. A processing plant according to claim 40 furthercomprising a common cleaning solution collection system connected tosaid processing apparatus; and wherein said peeling apparatus furthercomprises a cleaning solution collection system connected to said commoncleaning solution collection system.
 42. A processing plant according toclaim 40 wherein said peeling apparatus comprises first and secondpeeling chambers arranged in side-by-side relation and extending in asubstantially horizontal direction.
 43. A method for processing fruit orvegetables using a plurality of processing apparatus and comprising atleast one peeling apparatus, the method comprising: providing a commoncleaning solution delivery system connected to the processing apparatus;and providing the peeling apparatus with a cleaning solution deliverysystem connected to the common cleaning solution delivery system.
 44. Amethod according to claim 43 further comprising providing a commoncleaning solution collection system connected to the processingapparatus; and providing the peeling apparatus with a cleaning solutioncollection system connected to the common cleaning solution collectionsystem.
 45. A method according to claim 43 wherein the peeling apparatuscomprises first and second peeling chambers arranged in side-by-siderelation and extending in a substantially horizontal direction.